Once every four years, one event lights up the world. From the opening to the closing ceremony – the summer Olympic Games is an occasion that captures the hearts of many. And for the Olympians who participate, it represents the chance of a lifetime – to stand among the greats of their nation and their sport. Here are 10 summer Olympic speakers for schools and businesses who make for a wonderful addition to your event.
Seven-time Olympic medalist, Sir Chris Hoy is one of the finest cyclists in the history of the sport and has left a lasting legacy on British cycling. The first of Britain’s golden age of cyclists to step up and set the sport alight, Sir Chris Hoy become known for masterclasses in the velodrome. His 20-year career as a track racer saw unparalleled success as he became the most decorated British Olympian of all time when he won his sixth gold medal in the Keirin at London 2012. Today, he is able to share his incredible experiences with corporate audiences making him a source of inspiration at sporting and business events.
Though time has seen Chris Hoy overtake Steve Redgrave in the British Olympic medal tally, Steve’s impact on the Olympic Games remains a remarkable one. To this day, Steve is the only British Olympian to win gold in five consecutive Olympic Games – a record that may never be broken. Such longevity in the sport of rowing is an achievement that takes great mental strength and dedication. As a great leader, sportsman and rower, Sir Steve is able to speak honestly about the incredible commitment that took him to the top of the sport.
Another athlete who was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, the unbelievable achievements of Jessica Ennis-Hill are remembered fondly to this day. Inspiring a generation on her way to greatness, she remains the British record-holder for the heptathlon and three-time world champion. But her crowning achievement in the eyes of so many was her lightning performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games. A pillar of the sport, she has become one of the most sought-after summer Olympic guest speakers of the modern day.
A tale of more than Olympic greatness; but also one of sportsmanship, brotherhood and dedication, The story of The Brownlee Brothers is a historic one. In one of the most remarkable moments in the history of athletics, Jonathan Brownlee led the World Triathlon Series in Mexico. Close to the finish line, he collapsed due to dehydration and was set to surrender his lead. Instead of taking the place of his brother to potentially win the race himself, Alistair Brownlee picked his brother up and helped him over the line.
This is one of many dramatic moments that the two have given us, as they have dominated triathlons for a decade. From sharing the podium in Rio 2016 and London 2012 to racking up record wins, this duo is widely-loved within the athletics community and can deliver a rousing keynote speech on what it takes to maximise success and overcome adversity in the sport.
A true Olympic legend, Helen Glover emerged in the 2000s as one of the greatest rowers in Britain. Helping her team to great success, she is a triple world champion and two-time Olympic champion. In 2015, Helen was ranked as the number one female rower in the world and has remained at the top spot ever since. Together with Heather Stanning, she won Britain’s first gold medal of London 2012, entering the record books as the first female rowers from Great Britain to achieve gold. Still a major player in the world of rowing and one of the most famous British female Olympians, Helen revels in sharing the themes that saw her to great success in the hope of inspiring businesses and individuals to take control of their aspirations and unlock their potential.
The man behind the 2012 London Olympic bid and Britain’s most successful middle-distance runner before the rise of the great Mo Farah, Sebastian Coe is one of the most important sports personalities in Britain. Able to offer rousing speeches on various topics from peak performance to the bid and subsequent organisation of the Olympic Games – few have achieved so much on and off the track. In 2012, Sebastian Coe was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
A British athletics icon, Mo Farah was the heir to Lord Coe’s throne – and the distance runner didn’t disappoint. Becoming a force of nature, Mo was lauded time and time again for his stunning middle distance running ability. His quadruple double is considered one of the most incredible feats in the history of the sport, as Mo defended his World Title and Olympic Title in the 5000m and the 10,000m. Aside from his impressive Olympic efforts, Mo won over the nation with his humility, smile and the world-famous ‘Mo-Bot’. 2016 saw Mo receive a knighthood to complete an inspirational journey from child refugee to national treasure. As a motivational speaker, there are few better placed than Mo Farah to inspire your team.
After winning Super- Heavyweight Olympic Gold at London 2012, big things were expected from the prodigious boxer. But few even then would have predicted his immense rise to becoming the Unified Heavyweight World Champion. Registering 22 wins and not a single loss so far in his professional boxing career, there is no doubt that Anthony Joshua is among the biggest names in boxing. Having dramatically beaten Wladimir Klitschko, Anthony is expected to be one of the best boxers in history. But he is also one of the most likeable, with his persona earning him fans across the world.
Laura Kenny overcame adversity to reach the summit of cycling, having survived a collapsed lung at birth. Drawing on her deep passion for cycling and her unwavering commitment, Laura was able to win an incredible three world titles before she turned 20. She has since racked up 29 medals and four Olympic golds to become Great Britain’s most successful female Olympian. At just 26 years old, and after having the couple’s first child, Laura has returned to peak performance and will have her own ambitions of becoming the most decorated British Olympian of all time.
That accolade currently belongs to her husband. Jason Kenny is one of the most successful British Olympians of all time. Having won six gold medals and one silver, Jason has established himself alongside Sir Chris Hoy at the top of British Olympic history. After taking some time out alongside his wife following the birth of their first child, Jason is back at the top level in pursuit of medals, and few would suggest that Jason and Laura can’t top the rankings together as Britain’s greatest ever.
Book one of the famous Olympians from our roster to amaze guests at your gala dinner, award ceremony or other corporate events. Get in touch with the Champions Olympic Speakers agency today by filling in our online contact form. Alternatively, call a booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553.
Mark has worked closely with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including F1, Deloitte, American Express, McDonalds, HSBC and Samsung since joining us in 2017. With a degree in Business Management and Sports Science from the University of Worcester, he has brought vast experience to his role as a Senior Keynote Speaker Executive at Champions Speakers.
Working with some of the biggest names in media and sport, from Tyson Fury to Sir Bradley Wiggins, as well as the likes of Ruud Gullit and Gabriel Batistuta for the Football Achievers Awards in China Mark has formed relationships with countless household names internationally. Sport isn't the only field where Mark excels. He has also arranged events with the likes of Oscar Salazar, Jonas Kjellberg and Ken Segall.
When he's not booking in top-class speaker talent, Mark enjoys winding up fellow executive, Matthew Holmes. Outside of the workplace, he has played high level Rugby and Cricket and is a master baker having won the ‘Cake Club of the Year Award’.
To discuss the details of your event or book one of our exciting Olympic and Paralympic speakers, call a booking agent at Champions Olympic Speakers on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online contact form.
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